Introduction / HistoryThe Russians in Ukraine, who are the largest minority group, have lived for centuries in the land now known as Ukraine. In 1991, Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union and many Russians voted to become independent. However, the bright future became bleak as Russians felt uncomfortable by the Ukrainization campaigns.

In 2014, President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia amid giant protests. In the chaos, many Russians in Ukraine staged their own protests to secede from Ukraine. In Crimea, the Russian majority voted to join Russia on 16 March 2014.

Where are they located?The Russians in Ukraine are located on the peninsula of Crimea and the Donbass region to the east (Donetsk, Kharkiv, etc). Recently, people in Crimea, who are mostly Russian, have voted to secede from the rest of Ukraine and join Russia. There is growing concern that the eastern regions will also secede.

What are their lives like?Many live middle-class lifestyles similar to the rest of Europe. They are also proud of their Russian heritage and are afraid of Ukranization campaigns to wipe out their culture. In the face of recent events, they also fear certain possible scenarios between Ukraine and Russia.